Pool game ball

ABSTRACT

The present invention concerns a game piece comprising an inflatable enclosure defining an interior space. A valve is in communication with the interior space. An indicator is also located in the interior space. The indicator may be a single die or a pair of dice as well as other objects used to indicate a move and the like. The enclosure may be in the shape of a ball. The enclosure is made of a material so that the indicator is visible within the enclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns a game piece which may be in theshape of a ball for use in water environments such as pools and thelike. The present invention provides an inflatable enclosure that istypically in the shape of a ball. Located within the enclosure is amulti-sided indicator such as a die or dice and the enclosure is made ofa material so that the indicator is visible within the enclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Batting a beach ball around has long been an enjoyablerecreational activity. The present invention adds another dimension ofexcitement to this past time by providing a beach ball inside of which amulti-sided indicator is located. Configuring the ball in this mannerallows it to be used as a component of outdoor games requiring the useof indicators such a die or dice.

[0003] Incorporating the indicator in the inflatable enclosure solvesseveral problems associated with using pre-inflated balls. First, apre-inflated ball must be sold with air inside which results in the itemtaking up a large amount of retail space. From the stand point of aretailer, this is a disadvantage. This problem is typically solved bymaking the pre-inflated balls smaller in size than the normal sizeassociated with a beach ball and of heavier grade material. This,however, leads to problems for the user.

[0004] The smaller ball does not tend to float in the air as a beachball. This is so because of the smaller size and heavier material.Moreover, pre-inflated balls are primarily designed for bouncing, nothitting in the air.

[0005] The present invention provides a solution to the above statedproblems by providing an inflatable enclosure that may be in the shapeof a ball. The enclosure is sufficiently large in size and is lightenough so to permit it to float in the air. The inclusion of anindicator inside the enclosure allows it to be used as a game component.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention in an inflated state.

[0007]FIG. 2 a perspective view of the present invention in a partiallydeflated state.

[0008]FIG. 3 side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0009]FIG. 4 a perspective view showing a use of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Set forth below is a description of what are currently believedto be the preferred embodiments or best examples of the inventionclaimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to thepreferred embodiments are contemplated. Any alternates or modificationsin which insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure orin result are intended to be covered by the claims of this patent.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the present invention includes anenclosure 100 that may be in the shape of a ball so as to define aninterior space 115. However, other shapes may be used as well.

[0012] The enclosure may be made of plastic that is 22 millimetersthick. In a preferred embodiment the enclosure is clear. However, thematerial may be translucent or colors may be used so long as anindicator 110 located within the enclosure is visible. Of course, othermaterials known to those of skill in the art may be used as well.

[0013] As mentioned above, located inside of enclosure 100 is amulti-sided indicator 110. Indicator 110 may be a die or even becomprised of a plurality objects such as a pair of dice 110 and 111.Other indicators known to those of skill in the art may be used with thepresent invention as well.

[0014] The indicator may be made of a EVA foam, some other foam, orother suitable soft material. In addition, if the indicator has corners,all or some of the corners may be rounded. Each of these features helpsprevent injury to users if struck by the device. Nor does it result inthe indicator breaking the enclosure, while still providing weight tostabilize the enclosure.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the enclosure is inflated or deflatedby the use of valve 120 which is in communication with interior space115. Valve 120 is constructed in ways known to those of skill in theart.

[0016] In use, enclosure 100 is tossed into the air which causesindicator 110 to be repositioned inside of the enclosure. Upon landing,the indicator randomly positions itself and provides a randomindication. As a result, the present invention may be used as a gamepiece for play in games requiring a random selection or indication.

[0017] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention havebeen illustrated and described, it will be understood by those ofordinary skill in the art that changes and other modifications can bemade without departing from the invention in its broader aspects.Various features of the present invention are set forth in the followingclaims

What is claimed is:
 1. A game piece comprising: an inflatable enclosuredefining an interior space; a valve in communication with said interiorspace; an indicator located in said interior space.
 2. The device ofclaim 1 wherein said indicator is made of foam.
 3. The device of claim 1wherein said indicator has rounded corners.
 4. The device of claim 1wherein said indicator has rounded corners and is made of foam.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein said enclosure is in the shape of a ball. 6.The device of claim 1 wherein said indicator is a die.
 7. The device ofclaim 6 wherein said die is made of foam.
 8. The device of claim 6wherein said die has rounded corners.
 9. The device of claim 6 whereinsaid die is made of foam and has rounded corners.
 10. The device ofclaim 1 wherein a plurality of indicators are located in said interiorspace.
 11. The device of claim 10 wherein said indicators are made offoam.
 12. The device of claim 10 wherein said indicators have roundedcorners.
 13. The device of claim 10 wherein said indicators have roundedcorners and are made of foam.
 14. The device of claim 10 wherein saidindicators are dice.
 15. The device of claim 14 wherein said dice aremade of foam.
 16. The device of claim 14 wherein said dice have roundedcorners.
 17. The device of claim 14 wherein said dice are made of foamand have rounded corners.
 18. The device of claim 1 wherein saidenclosure is made of a material so that the indicator is visible withinthe enclosure.